VIDEO: Areghnaz Manukyan Questions the Credibility of Candidates for HRAH Membership

The credibility of the candidates proposed by the ruling Civil Contract party for membership in the Public Television and Radio Council (HRAH) is highly doubtful, according to Areghnaz Manukyan, an MP from the Armenia faction, during a speech in the National Assembly this month.

“I have serious doubts considering their backgrounds. For instance, Arthur Manukyan was a member of the Yerevan Council of Elders from the 'My Step' faction and also served as an MP. In one of his interviews in 2021, he stated that he is a founding member of the Civil Contract party and mentioned, I quote, ‘I have never been out of politics, even when I was not in active political engagement.’ This raises a legitimate question for me. Can this candidate presented by the Civil Contract restrain himself and exhibit political neutrality?”

Manukyan also cited the words of Hakob Hakobyan, another candidate proposed by the Civil Contract party for HRAH membership. “In 2018, he declared, ‘I am a supporter of the new authorities; one must stand by these authorities, support them in every way, and even have a benevolent approach towards their shortcomings.’ In 2019, he added, ‘Today many complain that a cult of personality is forming in the country. I am very happy about this; I believe that this people has finally found a leader whom they love. Is it a bad thing that they say a cult of personality is emerging?’ Therefore, you glorify the cult of personality, you idolize it and even preach it. Hence, I have a legitimate question, Mr. Hakob Movses, do you idolize Nikol Pashinyan?”

Areghnaz Manukyan presented the oath required by law for members of the HRAH: “Can individuals with such backgrounds be impartial, conscientious, and honest, act and remain free of political interests? I highly doubt it,” said MP Areghnaz Manukyan.